Vol. 480 No. 8
27 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Defence the measures which will be put in place by his Department to encourage the increased participation by women in the Defence Forces and to ensure the facilities necessary for their participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15154/97]
The Government is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for women in the Defence Forces and to the full participation of women in all aspects of Defence Forces activity including operational and ceremonial duties. I am fully satisfied with the position regarding participation by women in the Defence Forces and with the facilities available to women for the furtherance of their military careers.
Recruitment for service in all elements of the Defence Force is open to men and women on an equal basis. Accordingly, men and women are eligible to compete on an equal basis at recruitment competitions and women are also eligible to take part in internal promotion competitions under the same conditions as those that apply to men. All female personnel undergo the same military training and receive the same military education as their male counterparts. In essence the basis of selection at entry level and for internal promotion is suitability rather than gender.
While the number of women joining the Defence Forces might appear to be somewhat lower than the number of men joining, the actual position merely reflects the much greater number of male applicants for entry to the Forces. I am satisfied that the recruitment and promotion competitions are carried out in a fair and competitive manner.
Women are also liable for the full range of military operational and ceremonial duties. I am satisfied that women are not discriminated against in any way either at recruitment or in participation in the full range of military duties, education courses and training courses.
Recruitment to An Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil is also open to men and women on an equal basis. Membership of the FCA is now 20 per cent female. However, recruitment to An Slua Muirí has been delayed pending the making of the necessary administrative and logistical arrangements for the admission of females to both the Naval Service and An Slua Muirí. Women have been serving in the Naval Service since 1995 and it is anticipated that it will be possible to admit women to An Slua Muirí shortly.
